09 August 2006, 21:44
Dusty RhodesInformation of powder charge please.
I started black powder hunting several years ago with a Knight & Hale 50 cal. special from Walmart.
Don't ask me how or why, but I started using 240 Gr. bullets with 2, 50 Gr. Pyrodex powder pellets. I have no complaint about this set up, I have killed deer with it. I am wondering if it is safe to got to 150 Gr. of the Pyrodex simply to improve my range.
Advice please.
10 August 2006, 06:39
BrentI don't know if it's safe, but I do know the ballistics of a 240 gr bullet aren't going to be much improved with 50 grns more powder. They just don't have the ballistic coefficient to be a decent longer range bullet.
So, it sorta matters how much more range you want to get. If it's safe.
Brent
10 August 2006, 17:51
DoublessMight check the Hodgdon Powder website. I suspect they have the info there. They list loads for BP firearms, and offer loads for Pyrodex, if memory serves...
12 August 2006, 01:30
El DeguelloCheck with the rifle maker to find out if 150 grain charges are approved for that rifle before you try that much. Also, be advised that 150 grains of Pyrodex pellets is a lighter charge than a measured 150 grains of loose Pyrodex RS.
I suspect that although 150 grains might flatten your trajectory some, it will MOST LIKELY (but of course, not necessarily) result in a larger group. So, if 100 grain shoots tight 100-yard groups for you, perhaps your best move is to learn the trajectory of your 100 grain loads out to 175-200 yards, practice range estimation, and continue using that amount......
01 September 2006, 18:56
RandyWakemanquote:
Knight & Hale 50 cal. special from Walmart.
Don't ask me how or why, but I started using 240 Gr. bullets with 2, 50 Gr. Pyrodex powder pellets. I have no complaint about this set up, I have killed deer with it. I am wondering if it is safe to got to 150 Gr. of the Pyrodex simply to improve my range.
Advice please.
No.